Kansas helps high school students explore teaching careers

Kansas high school students are getting to experience what it takes to be a teacher at the Kansas Future Teacher Academy in Emporia June 12-16.

The academy consists of 26 Kansas high school students and is being held on the Emporia State University campus.

This year, the students will meet with National Teachers Hall of Fame inductees on the morning of the last day of the academy, right as events for the NTHF induction commence.

This year's academy is funded in part by the Kansas legislature. This is the 22nd year for the Kansas Future Teacher Academy; it is coordinated by the Jones Institute for Educational Excellence at ESU. Another academy is held at Dodge City Community College June 11-18.

"The goal of the academy is to expose high school students in Kansas to the rewards of the teaching profession," said Scott Waters, director of the ESU academy. "Having two locations allows students to benefit from this exciting opportunity without having to drive great distances."

Students are accepted into the academy based upon their academic standing, involvement in school and community activities, and interest in exploring a career in teaching. Participants will be involved in numerous activities during the week, including those centered on opportunities in education, problem-solving and leadership skills, personal goal setting, and technology in education.

They will tour the National Teachers Hall of Fame and will get to meet 1994 NTHF inductee Rich Ruffalo. Besides being a former teacher, Ruffalo is a track and field athlete who set new world records in the Paralympic Games after losing his eyesight.

For more information about the academy, contact Terri Weast at 620-341-5372 or Scott Waters at 620-341-5764.

Emporia State University is a dynamic and progressive student-centered learning community that fosters student success through engagement in academic excellence, community and global involvement, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.